|
|
| Astros manager Brad Mills said that Matt Lindstrom and Brandon Lyon will be in an open competition this spring for the team's closing gig, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Expect one of the two to win the job, with the other being relegated to an eighth-inning setup role. Be sure to monitor how each of these two fare throughout spring training, as the better of the two could end up as a nice, cheap source of saves.
|
|
|
|
| The Astros and Matt Lindstrom have avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $1.625 million deal, according to MLB.com's Brian McTaggart. |
Our View: Lindstrom is expected to close for Houston in 2010 following Jose Valverde's signing with the Tigers. Remember that Lindstrom wasn't that bad as Florida's closer last season before getting hurt, though his numbers were inflated by a few ultra-rough outings, specifically against the Phillies on April 24 when he gave up seven runs in 0.2 innings.
|
|
|
|
| Updating a previous report, the Marlins received two minor leaguers, right-hander Robert Bono and shortstop Luis Bryan, for Matt Lindstrom, according to the Miami Herald. |
Our View: While Lindstrom will likely take over the Astros closing duties, assuming his elbow inflammation is under control, the Marlins receive a raw but promising duo in return. Bono, 21, was 10-8 with a 3.20 ERA in 25 starts at Single-A Lexington and Bryan, 19, hit .340 with two homers and 19 RBI in 106 at-bats in the Gulf Coast League.
|
|
|
|
| ESPN's Peter Gammons reports that the Astros have acquired reliever Matt Lindstrom from the Marlins. |
Our View: No word yet on what the Astros received in return, but this fills a desperate hole in their bullpen. They lost LaTroy Hawkins earlier today to the division rival Brewers, and their closer, Jose Valverde is a free agent. So it looks like Lindstrom may be asked to close in Houston, which would boost his fantasy value, but puts the Astros in a dicey situation as he held a 5.89 ERA last season.
|
|
|
|
| The Marlins appear to be on the verge of sending Matt Lindstrom to the Astros, according to the Palm Beach Post. |
Our View: The deal would likely bring Florida back a few lesser prospects. Lindstrom could potentially compete for the closing gig in Houston if the team fails to re-sign Jose Valverde.
|
|
|
|
| Updating an earlier item, reliever Matt Lindstrom is as "good as gone" from the Marlins, according to Fox Sports. |
Our View: Three teams are said to be zeroing in on the hard-throwing righty, and a trade is believed to be "close." Who knew having a 5.89 ERA could make someone so popular?
|
|
|
|
| Hard-throwing reliever/sometimes closer Matt Lindstrom could be traded at baseball's annual winter meetings in Indianapolis this week, according to the Chicago Tribune. |
Our View: He is arbitration eligible, and the Marlins are believed to want to unload some players instead of giving them raises. Renyel Pinto is also said to be available. Lindstrom threw smoke in 2009, but often ineffectively, posting a 5.89 ERA in 47.1 innings.
|
|
|
|
| Matt Lindstrom's save on Saturday against the Reds was his first save since June 21. |
Our View: Leo Nunez was just getting a day of rest, however, and will likely continue to close down the stretch.
|
|
|
|
| The Marlins have activated reliever Matt Lindstrom (elbow) from the 15-day DL. |
Our View: The Marlins will let Lindstrom ease back into a relief role before they possibly return him to the closer's job. Leo Nunez should continue to pick up saves, for now.
|
|
|
|
| Skipper Fredi Gonzalez noted that Matt Lindstrom may not immediately return to the closer's role when activated from the DL, according to the Miami Herald. |
Our View: Lindstrom could return as early as the end of next week, but is expected to be eased back into the closer's role slowly, at least for his first few appearances. He has been recovering from an elbow injury.
|
|
|
|
| Matt Lindstrom is expected to throw a restriction free bullpen session on Friday, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: The best case scenario for his return is the end of July or early August. Whenever he does return, he should reclaim his closing job immediately, as no one has emerged and taken it during his absence. Keep him stashed.
|
|
|
|
| Marlins closer Matt Lindstrom threw off flat ground for about 10 minutes on Firiday, reports MLBlogs.com. It was the first time he'd thrown a ball since landing on the DL June 24th. |
Our View: "I felt better than I thought I was going to," Lindstrom said. "It was coming out of my hand pretty good for being 10 days off." He will continue to throw every day, and may be ready to return shortly after the All Star break.
|
|
|
|
| Matt Lindstrom could start throwing by the end of this week, much earlier than originally thought possible, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: The earliest he could return is still late July, but apparently the inflammation in his right elbow has all but "dissipated." If you still haven't added a Marlin to take his roster spot, Leo Nunez and Dan Meyer are the relievers most likely to pick up his save chances.
|
|
|
|
| Matt Lindstrom is headed to the 15-day disabled list with a sprained right elbow, according to The Miami Herald. He is expected to be out at least six weeks. |
Our View: Lindstrom hasn't exactly been an effective closer for the Marlins this season, posting a 6.52 ERA in 29 innings. He's only blown two saves, but that number was (is) bound to go up with hitters batting a cool .297 against him, an unacceptable number for a closer. Look for Leo Nunez and Dan Meyer to be in the mix for save opportunities in his absence, with with one of them, most likely Meyer, eventually getting the bulk of them. Kiko Calero could also be a candidate once he returns from the disabled list.
|
|
|
|
| According to the Miami Herald, Matt Lindstrom will not be available for Tuesday night's game due to the fact that he has throw the last three days in a row. |
Our View: Lindstrom has struggled this season, so a day of rest may be good for him. Expect either Kiko Calero or Brian Sanchez to get the save opportunity tonight if one happens to arise.
|
|
|
|
| Matt Lindstrom rebounded nicely on Tuesday, picking up the save in the Marlins' 7-4 win over the Mets. He threw a perfect ninth and struck out one. |
Our View: Don't judge Lindstrom on his seven run, blown save performance last week. He's been good in his other outings and should be a fine fantasy closer from here on out.
|
|
|
|
| MLB.com reports that Matt Lindstrom will be unavailable for Saturday's game after throwing 38 pitches and allowing seven nine inning runs in Friday's 7-3 loss to the Phillies. Leo Nunez figures to get the ninth inning duties today if a closer is needed. |
Our View: Lindstrom remains the Marlins closer despite the disastrous outing last night. He had been enjoying a good run prior to taking the loss and still has the confidence of his manager.
|
|
|
|
| Matt Lindstrom had a collapse of epic proportions on Friday night. He entered the ninth with a 3-0 lead against the Phillies and after two-thirds of an inning walked away with a 7-3 deficit. The Marlins lost by that same score. |
Our View: Lindstrom's ERA jumped over nine runs Friday and it now sits at a meaty 10.80. Lindstrom has been good this season, other than Friday. Chalk this up to a bad outing from a good young closer. His ERA will take a while to recover though.
|
|
|
|
| Matt Lindstrom threw a perfect ninth inning while earning his third save of the season as the Marlins beat the Nationals 7-4 on Sunday. |
Our View: Lindstrom has been pretty reliable to start the season. He may still be undervalued by owners and should be in line for 30-plus saves if he maintains his health.
|
|
|
|
| Closer Matt Lindstrom worked a scoreless 10th inning and earned his second save of the season on Friday night. |
Our View: Lindstrom also worked on Thursday night, and it's excellent to see him take the hill in back-to-back games. That's a sure sign that the sore shoulder that bothered him this spring is close to 100 percent.
|
|
|
|
| According to the Palm Beach Post, Matt Lindstrom will be available in a save situation for the Marlins Friday night. He has one save on the season thus far. |
Our View: Lindstrom threw nine pitches last night, and manager Fredi Gonzalez has hesitated using him on back-to-back days, but it looks as if he is available tonight. Keep him in your lineup.
|
|
|
|
| According to the Miami Herald, Matt Lindstrom is not available to pitch in Wednesday night's game against the Braves. He threw nine pitches last night, but manager Fredi Gonzalez has decided to wait another week before using Lindstrom on back-to-back days. |
Our View: The take it slow approach for Lindstrom may be good for his value in the long run, but right now it is hurting his fantasy owners. Leo Nunez will pitch the ninth if a save situation arises on Wednesday.
|
|
|
|
| According to the Palm Beach Post, Matt Lindstrom will be unavailable Saturday night against the Mets. |
Our View: The hard throwing reliever blew a save opportunity on Friday night and threw too many pitches to be available for duty in back to back games. He's been slowed by a strained rotator cuff and the Marlins want to take it easy with him. Look to Leo Nunez to get the save chance if there is one tonight.
|
|
|
|
| Matt Lindstrom allowed one earned run on one hit in the ninth inning of Wednesday's 6-4 win over the Nationals at Dolphins Stadium, with two walks and two strikeouts. |
Our View: It was a sloppy outing for him, but Lindstrom was still able to earn his first save of the season.
|
|
|
|
| Matt Lindstrom, who's been out of action this spring since bothering his rotator cuff on March 15, threw 35 pitches off a mound on Friday and felt good during and afterwards, according to the Miami Herald. |
Our View: "My shoulder feels stronger," Lindstrom said. "The last week and a half, I have been doing the exercises to make sure that little guy in the back of my head - the one that tells you to worry - gets out of there." Lindstrom seemed confident that he'll be able to handle Florida's closing duties by Opening Day. While there's still a possibility that he'll open the season on the DL, the Marlins would make the placement with a retroactive date so that he wouldn't miss more than the first few days. He appears to be a safe bet for Florida's saves at the moment.
|
|
|
|
| Matt Lindstrom, who has been dealing with a sore right rotator cuff, is confident he will be ready to handle the closer's role for opening day, according to the Miami Herald. He said, "The way I felt Tuesday (after a light throwing session), I am optimistic about it." |
Our View: He is scheduled to throw off a mound Friday, and the Marlins are aiming at April 1 for him to pitch in a Grapefuit League game. Lindstrom keeps the ball in the park and could be a decent source for saves, but his lack of strikeouts will leave a bit to be desired.
|
|
|
|
| Matt Lindstrom, who is dealing with a sore right rotator cuff, will throw off a mound Friday for around five minutes, according to the Palm Beach Post. |
Our View: The club is targeting him to pitch in a Grapefruit League game April 1. If he is able to make that target date, he should be ready to handle the closer's role for opening day.
|
|
|
|
| Matt Lindstrom is expected to play catch Monday, according to the Palm Beach Post. He has been working on building up his shoulder strength after straining his rotator cuff in the WBC and he said, "I do not even consider it rehab. I am looking forward to Monday. It is not going to take long to build it back up." |
Our View: This is good news, and Lindstrom should be ready to handle the closer's role for opening day. He should be drafted among the top 20-25 relievers.
|
|
|
|
| Matt Lindstrom is aiming to begin throwing again on Sunday and believes he will be ready for opening day, according to MLB.com. The closer strained his rotator cuff a week ago in the WBC. |
Our View: Lindstrom was already looking like a very cheapr source of saves, but with the injury issues this spring, he will be even cheaper. As long as he can keep his walk rate low, he should be able to hold onto the job for most of the season. He allowed just one home run in 57.1 innings last season.
|
|
|
|
| Matt Lindstrom suffered a right rotator cuff strain in the World Baseball Classic, according to the Sun Sentinel. |
Our View: He will not throw for 7-10 days. This does not look to compromise his position as the Marlins' closer for opening day. Leo Nunez would be the top candidate to replace him if needed, however.
|
|
|
|
| Matt Lindstrom will pitch for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, according to MLB.com. "When they called me, I was elated. I wanted to do it. It's an honor, obviously," Lindstrom said. |
Our View: Joe Nathan and Brian Fuentes have already accepted invitations, so while Lindstrom may not pitch many significant innings he will surely attempt to soak up all the knowledge he can from the other two closers.
|
|
|
|
| Matt Lindstrom threw the hardest average fastball in baseball in 2008 at 96.9 mph, according to a report on Scout.com. Jonathan Broxton was second a 96.3 while Brian Wilson was third at 95.8. At the other end of the spectrum, Chad Bradford was the only hurler under 81 mph at 79.6. |
Our View: Just another reason to like Lindstrom's chances of being a successful closer for the Marlins in 2009.
|
|
|
|
| Reliever Matt Lindstrom will be given every opportunity to win the closer's job with Florida when spring training rolls around, according to Marlins.com. "Now it looks like I'll be the guy who gets that opportunity in the ninth inning. I'll prepare a little differently in getting ready. But I look forward to the opportunity. It's pretty much what I've always wanted to do," Lindstrom said. |
Our View: The right-hander has an explosive fastball that can hit 100 mph, but even so, his K/9 rate last season wasn't what one might expect, at just 6.75. He also had a bit of trouble with control, walking 4.08 batters per nine innings, so that ratio needs work. However, he is said to be developing a third pitch - a splitter/changeup combo - that he hopes can be effective. He's clearly worth drafting for fantasy owners, just don't be shocked if he winds up bouncing to and from the role next year.
|
|
|
|
| Matt Lindstrom is considered the front-runner to take over the closer's role in 2009, the Miami Herald confirms. |
Our View: We didn't really need a source to tell you that, but it's nice to confirm it. Lindstrom saved five games last September, and he as excellent over the second half of 2008. As long as he keeps his control together, Lindstrom should hold down that gig.
|
|
|
|
| Matt Lindstrom earned his fifth save of the month while shutting down a desperate New York Mets team in the bottom of the ninth in the last game at Shea Stadium on Sunday. |
Our View: Lindstrom will likely be closing for the Marlins next season. Former Marlins closer Kevin Gregg says Lindstrom has "unbelievable stuff."
|
|
|
|
| The Palm Beach Post reports that Matt Lindstrom drew praise on Wednesday from the man who's closer's job he took, Kevin Gregg. "Stormy (as Lindstrom is known) is very capable of closing. He’s got the stuff to do it. I truly believe in his ability. Now it’s just learning the intangibles," Gregg said today. "We always sit out in the bullpen and talk pitching situations." |
Our View: Lindstrom has converted his last four save opportunities. He’s a good bet to keep the closer’s job next year if the Marlins determine that Gregg, who could get $4 million through arbitration, is not in their budget plans. "If Stormy shows he can pitch, which I think he is going to - he’s got unbelievable stuff - then the dynamics of this team come down to, are you going to bring me back to set up making what I’m making this year? I don’t know." If Lindstrom is still on waivers, snag him for some closer's production while you can and keep him in mind for 2009.
|
|
|
|
| The Marlins' team website reports the team is leaning against using Lindstrom on Sunday after pitching in consecutive days. |
Our View: Lindstrom has remained the closer despite Kevin Gregg's return from injury, but Gregg could get the save opportunity, if applicable, on Sunday.
|
|
|
|
| Matt Lindstrom earned his third save in seven days on Friday night. The most recent victims were the Washington Nationals who were set down in order. |
Our View: Since being given the job, Lindstrom has not allowed a hit or a walk in four appearances. However, former closer Kevin Gregg returned just three days ago. He has pitched two innings in middle relief since his return. Lindstrom is a good gamble if you have a hole in your relief corps.
|
|
|
|
| Even though Kevin Gregg could return Tuesday, Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said he intends to leave Matt Lindstrom in the closer's role, according to Marlins.mlb.com. |
Our View: Most managers like to give their pitchers a couple outings before returning them to the closers role.
|
|
|
|
| Matt Lindstrom picked up his first save of the season on Friday night with a 1-2-3 eleventh inning. |
Our View: With Kevin Gregg battling inflammation in his knee, Lindstrom should continue to get opportunities to close games. If you have a hole in your relief pitching, he is worth the risk.
|
|
|
|
| Since being recalled from the minors on July 5th, Matt Lindstrom has not given up a run in seven appearances. He has seven strikeouts versus three hits in seven innings since then. |
Our View: Lindstrom, 28, is finally looking like the future closer that he was touted as for so long. He should be a good source of holds the rest of the way as the Marlins have won the last six games he has appeared in.
|
|
|
|
| Matt Lindstrom pitched a clean inning in his first appearance since June 22nd thanks to two strikeouts. |
Our View: Lindstrom has 21 K but an unhealthy total of 16 BB that have held him back from truly establishing himself at the big league level. The talent is there for a more substantial role, but he has to harness the raw stuff.
|
|
|
|
| The Marlins called up reliever Matt Lindstrom from Triple-A Albuquerque on Saturday, the Palm Beach Post reports. |
Our View: Lindstrom was sent down on June 24, and he posted a 9.00 ERA while in the minors. We're not sure why the Marlins think he'll be any better this time around. Lindstrom has good stuff, but we can't trust him in fantasy leagues.
|
|
|
|
| Fireballer Matt Lindstrom was sent to Triple-A following Tuesday night's 6-4 loss to Tampa Bay. |
Our View: Despite near-100 mph heat, Lindstrom was getting hit hard. He has a 1.93 WHIP in 2008 and opponents are hitting .323 off of him.
|
|
|
|
| Matt Lindstrom continues to impress the Marlins with his near 100 mph fastball, and though Kevin Gregg is clearly the teams closer, Lidstrom's days of pitching in the setup role could be coming to an end sometime in the near future, according to MLB.com. "He could be a closer, yes," Marlins pitching coach Mark Wiley said. "There are not too many who have a better arm than he has." |
Our View: Lidstrom will continue to work as a setup arm in the Marlins pen, but if Gregg were to struggle or be injured, it is clear that Lindstrom would be in the mix for saves.
|
|
|
|
| Matt Lindstrom has an injured lower back, but an MRI exam revealed no significant damage which means he will likely avoid the DL, according to MLB.com. "It's day-to-day," Lindstrom said. |
Our View: The team has not announced when he will return to the hill, and given that he also suffered back problems last season, look for the Marlins to be very careful as to when they bring him back into the setup role.
|
|
|
|
| Matt Lindstrom is regarded as the front-runner for the closer's job in Florida, according to MLB.com. He has a 1.08 ERA in 8 1/3 innings this spring. Henry Owens and Kevin Gregg are still very much in the picture, and the club has interest in both Armando Benitez and Jorge Julio. |
|
|
|
| Matt Lindstrom picked up the save for the Marlins Sunday, tossing a scoreless inning while giving up two hits and striking out one. Lindstrom is one of the many options at closer for Florida. |
|
